South West volunteer charities win the King's Award

Disc in Newquay was honoured for its voluntary work

Charities in Devon and Cornwall are among the winners of a national award.

DISC Newquay, Pegasus: Men's Wellbeing Centre, and Torquay's The Disabled Sailing Association (DSA), have all won the King's Award for Voluntary Service.

The award is the highest honour a voluntary group can receive in the UK, and is considered equivalent to an MBE.

Winners will receive a certificate signed by the King, a domed glass crystal and they may also be invited to a royal garden party.

Monique Collins, manager of Disc, said it was "absolutely amazing" to receive the award

Monique Collins, manager of Disc, said everyone in their team "knows their role" and that its work to help struggling members of the local community "runs like clockwork".

She said: "Receiving this award is absolutely amazing. It was mind-blowing when I got the email.

"I am so proud that Disc has received this prestigious award and we are all over the moon."

The Disabled Sailing Association (DSA) provides sailing opportunities to more than 400 people with disabilities and is now staffed by 70 volunteers.

Ray Harris, one of longest-serving skippers and trainers, said he has been volunteering with DSA for more than 10 years.

He said: "I have seen our members grow in confidence and gain additional skills but, most importantly, I've seen lives enhanced by sharing beautiful scenery and wildlife whilst building friendships and memories under our sails."

To be eligible for the award, groups must be made up of at least three people and must be led by volunteers, rather than paid staff.

Following nomination, assessors research and visit the groups before writing a report on their suitability.

Local assessment panels then decide which ones to put forward to a committee for consideration before the King approves the shortlist.